Getting Started
- Is this cat sitting or standing?
- How many limbs do you see?
- What is the facial expression of the cat?
Materials
- Pencil
- Black marker
- Cardboard pieces
- Scissors
- Coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
- Glue
Family Activity Inspired by Anne Arnold's Charlie, 1969
Anne Arnold is known for her sculptures created from a multitude of materials—including clay, wood, and bronze—often depicting living subject matter for which there seems to be a sense of familiarity.
In this Family Activity, we'll walk you through how to make a paper sculpture inspired by Anne Arnold's Charlie, 1969.
Anne Arnold (American, 1925–2014). Charlie, 1969. Acrylic on canvas over wood, 49 x 23 x 27 inches (124.5 x 58.4 x 68.6 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York; Gift of Seymour H. Knox, Jr., 1970 (K1970:15). © 1969 Anne Arnold, courtesy of Alexandre Gallery, New York
1. Sketch out the figure of a cat on your piece of cardboard. Once you are done, outline the figure with black marker.
2. Cut out your cat shape. (Be sure to save some scrap cardboard that is at least the width of your cat to use as a stand later.)
3. Draw a face on your cat. Give it an expression, if you would like!
4. Use your coloring materials to create a design or pattern on your cat. Be creative!
5. Color your scrap piece of cardboard and mount your cat to it so your sculpture is supported and stable.
6. Once you’re all done, name your cat!
Optional: Share your creation on Twitter or Instagram with #AlbrightKnox and #MuseumFromHome!
Vocabulary
Sketch: a rough drawing used in making a final picture
Sculpture: the art of making two-dimensional or three-dimensional, sometimes abstract, forms
Pattern: a repeated decorative design
Expression: a look on a face that displays a particular emotion